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Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that about 38 million Americans, including almost 15% of the adult population, have diabetes. Whether you personally have diabetes or someone you know has with this medical condition, it’s likely you’ve questioned what foods you can (and perhaps cannot) eat when following a diabetes-friendly diet, butter being one of them.
Rest assured, we’ve got you covered in this article. We’ve talked to registered dietitians and certified diabetes educators to get the facts on what you need to know when including fats, like butter, in your diet.
Can You Eat Butter If You Have Diabetes?
Yes, nutrition experts agree that all foods—including butter—fit, even if you have diabetes. Sarah Koszyk, M.A., RDN, shares, “Like all things in life, enjoying foods like butter in moderation is key to maintaining balance and reaching optimal nutrition, health and wellness.”
However, both Koszyk and Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES, remind us that butter is a source of saturated fat, with 7 grams per 1-tablespoon serving. Considering this nutrient is one that many major health organizations advise limiting, they recommend using butter sparingly.
If you enjoy the taste of butter, consider using it in moderation (like a pat, or 1-teaspoon portion) where you really notice the flavor profile of this ingredient versus as an everyday cooking fat option.
How Dietary Fats Affect People with Diabetes
There are three main types of fats found in foods: unsaturated, saturated and trans fatty acids. While trans fats have been banned due to the unfavorable effects they have on health, unsaturated and saturated fats are both found in the standard American diet. Unsaturated fats have been found to provide more heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory benefits, while it’s recommended that saturated fats should be limited in your diet.
Saturated fats are typically found in animal products and are solid at room temperature. Health and nutrition experts recommends limiting your intakes of saturated fats to no more than 10% of your daily caloric value, or around 20 grams per day based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
On the flip side, unsaturated fats, like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, are liquid at room temperature and are primarily found in oils like olive and canola, nuts, seeds and fatty fish. Specific kinds of unsaturated fats, like the omega-3 fatty acids, should be consumed at least twice a week, ideally from seafood sources.
Now, how exactly do these fat types affect someone with diabetes?
According to Palinski-Wade, RD, CDCES, “Diets high in saturated fat are associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, which are common comorbidities for diabetes. In fact, people living with diabetes have twice the risk of developing heart disease than those who do not have diabetes.” Plus, she shares, “Saturated fats can also cause insulin resistance, which makes maintaining healthy blood sugar levels more difficult.”
On the flip side, Palinski-Wade reminds us that mono- and polyunsaturated fats have been shown to have positive effects on diabetes management and may improve heart health and insulin sensitivity. In fact, a review found that those participants with type 2 diabetes who consumed higher amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to carbohydrates or saturated fats had a lower total mortality risk as well as a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
Point being, diabetes diagnosis or not, it’s important to pay some attention to the type of fat you’re consuming.
How to Include Butter
While you may have vivid memories of your grandma mixing a stick (or two) of butter into her mashed potatoes, experts (chefs included) want to remind you that a little goes a long way, especially with a flavor enhancer like butter.
Consider these tips Koszyk and Palinski-Wade recommend to help maximize the flavor of your favorite butter brand while keeping your portions in check:
Spread 1 teaspoon of butter over a steamed vegetable like broccoli, asparagus, zucchini or cauliflower. Add some spices and herbs to the veggies for additional flavor.Melt 1 teaspoon of butter and dip a steamed or boiled artichoke in it as you scrape off the base of the petal.Sauté mushrooms using a teaspoon of butter to serve over roasted chicken or a grilled or roasted fish for a more intense flavor.Consider swapping out butter for a vegan baking alternative like coconut oil, applesauce or avocado, or using half butter and half butter alternative in your baked goods.
Our Expert Take
Butter in moderation can be included in the diet of someone with a diabetes diagnosis. Nutrition experts agree that if an individual enjoys the taste of butter, including a minimal amount with nutritious foods, like steamed vegetables or whole grains, may enhance the taste and provide more satiety with the meal (as well as increasing absorption of fat-soluble vitamins if present in the other foods).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does butter raise your blood sugar?
While butter is predominantly composed of dietary fat, meaning it is unlikely to raise your blood sugar, Palinski-Wade advises to use it with caution. She shares, “It’s crucial to pay attention to the amount and type of fat consumed to maintain a heart-healthy diet. Butter is rich in saturated fat, in which large amounts may increase insulin resistance and cause blood sugar levels to rise over time.”
What kind of butter can those with diabetes eat?
While you can certainly enjoy your preferred brand of butter, in moderation, if you have diabetes, experts recommend you consider an unsalted option to lower your total sodium intake, an important consideration for someone with diabetes since excessive sodium can raise blood pressure. Palinski-Wade also encourages clients to consider alternative spreads with less saturated fat and more unsaturated fat, such as combination spreads with butter and olive oil.
How much butter should someone with diabetes eat in a day?
While there is no set amount of butter someone should include in their daily diet, consuming roughly less than 20 grams per day if you’re following a 2,000-calorie diet is fine. And a small portion, like a teaspoon used to enhance the flavor of foods, likely won’t cause any harm, but keep other fat sources should be considered. Koszyk also shares that for someone with heart disease, the recommendation for total saturated fat intake is even lower at 5% to 6% of total calories (or 11 to 13 grams per day based on a 2,000-calorie diet).
